Pace could hurt Chasin Dreams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Chasin Dreams must chase lone speed Wednesday in the race 7 feature at Hollywood Park, a filly-mare turf allowance that would have been perfect for the stretch-runner.

However, there is a problem.

"I need more speed," Chasin Dream's trainer Bruce Jackson said.

He won't get it - rival Burg Berg is the only front-runner in the field of six.

If a slow pace negates Chasin Dreams's closing kick in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, the same might be true for the others, including minor stakes winner Dextera, Grade 2 winner Belmont Cat, Theodora, and main-track specialist Pretty Katherine.

Despite the problematic pace scenario, Chasin Dreams's cause is not hopeless. That is because front-runner Burg Berg might be vulnerable at distances beyond one mile. Burg Berg has won 3 of 11 and stretches out following two good sprints. If she is a better filly this season at age 4, she could lead gate to wire under Joel Rosario.

Chasin Dreams remains the one to beat. Based on her most recent start six weeks ago, a half-length loss behind top-class turf filly Well Monied, Chasin Dreams can win the Wednesday allowance, although her training routine has been imperfect due to the rescheduling of races that did not fill.

"I wanted to run her two weeks ago, this is the sixth time I entered her," Jackson said. "She is doing good, but I haven't been able to train her the way I wanted to."

Chasin Dreams has won 4 of 14 and will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano. A good effort on Wednesday would set up Chasin Dreams for a possible out-of-state stakes race.

"It all depends on how she runs," Jackson said. "We'll play it by ear; this would set her up."

Wednesday's card includes a good turf allowance for 3-year-olds, race 5. Bogie, trained by Paddy Gallagher, finished a sharp third in his U.S. debut a month ago at Santa Anita. He drops from the $100,000 La Puente Stakes into a first-condition allowance and could be using the allowance as a bridge to the Grade 3 Will Rogers Handicap on June 20.

Alex Solis is scheduled to ride 1-for-3 Bogie in the 1 1/16-mile turf race. Lucky Rave, runner-up in the La Puente, drops into an allowance for the first time in the United States.